Topic: Dana 44

[95 Lowbuck]

I have a 95 Wrangler YJ.
I think I finally decided to swap out my D35 to a D44.
Dont really want an 8.8 because of the C=clips.
Has anybody swapped in a D44 from a TJ, or,
bought a Currie D44?
I would appreciate any imput.

[Jeffy]

Cheapest option would be a TJ D44.  It's not a true D44 but they already have brackets on them so it's a bolt-on affair.  Brackets will cost a lot.  Figure $3-500 for brackets unless you salvage them off your old housing.  If you do that thought you can go with just aobut any axle.  Judging from your post though, that's not a possability.

Currie axles aren't cheap although they are cheaper then Tractech.  There are many axle builders out there that don't have a big name so they don't have a big price either.  Oh and check out Drivetrain Direct.  They mostly sell parts but they do setup OEM housing for pretty cheap.  Figure atleast $13-1500 for a barebones axle with your choice of gearing.  Then anywhere from $300-700 for a locker.  If you want disc brakes you'll have to add $3-500 for those.  Then figure $100-150 to ship the axle to you.

[jagular7]

Don't put down the 8.8, especially from a 95 to 01(?) Explorer. Yes, they are in almost every way a much better axle than the D35 and yes are still a c-clip design, but Superior has come (coming) out with axle replacements that not only eliminate the c-clip design, but provide a wider stance on the same axle tube.

In comparison, aftermarket axle setups for the rear application will run close to $2500!!! equipped with locker and matching gear set. Upgrading brakes will add more cost. Get yourself a 8.8 for near $200, add matching gear set for $300 (200 for gears/$100 for setup), add lunchbox locker (~$300), add new brake pads, some little rework of the ds for the flange (~$50), little hardware (~$50), weld on leaf and shock mounts (~$75) and you are set. If you decide later to reinvest in another axle, then you should have a lot of buyers to take this off your hands for the cost or more. Once you have a bolt-in upgrade, then buyers are not hard to find. Only difficulty would be the gear matching. Locker can be pulled out.

I've picked up a 99 8.8 for $200, $175 4.88 gear, Lockright locker used ($125), gear install/seal kit (IIRC ~$90), gear install ($100), MAD4X4.com TJ 8.8 bracket kit ($300), friend weld on (free), already had the flange, 1310/1330 joint ($15), and I'm good to go in my TJ with little worry of the 8.8.

Note: I had never had a problem with a 8.8 in my 6000# 92 Bronco on 35's.

Good luck with your decision.

[95 Lowbuck]

If I find a D44 out of a XJ, would it be a tough swap?
I know I would have to relocate the spring pads and shock mounts,
but the brakes should work and it would be the right width.

[Jeffy]

If I find a D44 out of a XJ, would it be a tough swap?
I know I would have to relocate the spring pads and shock mounts,
but the brakes should work and it would be the right width.

http://www.4bangerjp.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=14

[shotgun]

Lowbuck, pretty much any dana44 axle will fit with minimal fabrication under your YJ.  

The easiest would be an XJ 44. They would have the same bolt pattern, correct width, etc. You would just need to add spring perches under the axle for a SUA suspension. I would remove  the stock perches, and fab some 7 inch perches for a SOA.

My next option would be a 44 from a Grand Wagoneer. You'd want to have the axles drilled to the correct pattern. It comes SUA, but I'd still put new spring perches on them.

Then  comes the TJ 44 IMO. You'd have to cut off all the TJ brackets, but they could put a dent for the positive side of the project.  Weld on Spring perches, etc.

There is an ISUZU DANA 44 that should be very close.

In all cases you'd need to fab at least  Spring Perches, Shock mounts, and  brake lines. I'd foget the trac bar.

[BlackYJ]

For a direct bolt-in d44 you need to find a commanche d44.  It is sprung-under and is the exact same as the XJ d44.  However, I have heard that they are pretty tough to come by in the US, they were a little more prevalent up here in Canada.

I just put a new Ford 8.8 in my YJ and it is great.  It is really nice to have the disk brakes in the back

[Oilsmoke]

A few years back I bugged the shit out of Jeffy about rear-end rebuild or replace. Well after he broke through my thick skull I pickup a 2001 explorer rear end with 4.10 gears and disc brake , pads were great shape
only like 40 to 50 K on it. drop the jeep & rear-end off at the 4x4 shop and they added pads connected the brake line, set angle for my lift,
only installed one custom u-joint.
I fabricated the E brake. to save cash. was 100 for custom cable.
Bottom line was 950 dollars. For a Solid axle swap.

It's a dam thick axle and I wouldn't worry about the ford c-clip setup.
I also remember that it has stronger axles than a d44

[Jeffy]

For a direct bolt-in d44 you need to find a commanche d44.  It is sprung-under and is the exact same as the XJ d44.  However, I have heard that they are pretty tough to come by in the US, they were a little more prevalent up here in Canada.

I just put a new Ford 8.8 in my YJ and it is great.  It is really nice to have the disk brakes in the back

Even the XJ/MJ perches are off.

[Bounty Hunter]

MJ spring perches are much further apart than YJ spring perches.

Don't hate an 8.8 for c-clips, it's stronger than a D44.  Just got done putting one in my MJ with 4.10, discs, and LS.

I've got an Isuzu D44 rear w/discs for the YJ, 6-lug to match the Waggy front D44.

You can't redrill a 6x5.5" lug pattern for 5x4.5", one or two lug holes will be too close to the old holes.  Simpler alteration is from one 5lug pattern to another, like 5.5" to 4.5".